Shelter



July 2, 1935. H. M. ROTH SHELTER Filed Jan. 19, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l H. M. ROTH July 2, 1935.

SHELTER Filed Jan. 19, 193 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 2, 1935 SHELTER Henry M. Roth, Troy, Ohio Application January 19,

23 Claims.

This invention relates to a collapsible portable canopy especially adapted for use as a sun shade in lieu of the customary beach umbrella, but obviously also suitable for other shelter purposes. In its preferred embodiment, illustrated in the drawings, the present shelter comprises a shell-like enclosure of substantially quarterspherical contour adapted to rest with one of its margins on the ground and with its other margin defining an erect arch-shaped entrance to the cave-like interior. It isformed of a fabric cover stretched upon radiating curved ribs pivoted in a suitable mounting member for relative lateral swinging motion toward and from each other and retractible into substantially parallel relation whereby the structure is collapsible into a closely compacted form for transportation and storage.

Adjustable locking means is provided for holding the swinging ribs in distended relation and maintaining the fabric cover under tension.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of collapsible shelter devices, whereby they may not only be simple and economical in construction, but Will be more eificient in use, of light weight, capable of being easily adiusted, and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide a collapsible shelter which affords an enclosure open at one side only, and capable of being collapsed into closely compacted form.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved system of supporting ribs and mounting means therefor enabling adjustment of the ribs into different radial planes and their subsequent contraction into substantially parallel relation with each other.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for locking the adjustable ribs in distended relation under tension.

A further object of the invention is to provide a shelter of pleasing appearance, affording maximum protection, and of convenient form.

A further object of the invention is to provide self-locking means for the rib adjusting and p0,- sitioning mechanism.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a portable folding shelter having the advantageous characteristics and meritorious features hereinafter mentioned.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combina- 1934, Serial No. 707,251

PATENT OFFICE tions thereof, and the mode of operation,.=or

their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims. 1

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred, but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. l is a perspective View of the assembled shelter canopy in distended form. Fig. 2 is a perspective view thereof collapsed for transportation or storage. Fig.- 3 is a front View of the mounting structure for the adjustable ribs observed from the interior of the canopy.- Fig-=4 is a rear view thereof as observed from the outside of the canopy. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof. Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the tensioning andlocking mechanism on line 6-6 of Fig.3, showing the parts in their adjusted and locked relation. Fig. 7 is a similar view illustrating the relation of the parts when unlocked and released for folding movement of the ribs. Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the inner end of one of the base arms of the structure, illustrating its adaptation for engagement with the looking and tensioning means. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the several parts comprising the tensioning and locking means and the mounting therefor in disassembled relation.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The portable canopy, forming the subject matter hereof, is primarily intended for use on bath ing beaches and the like as a substitute for the customary beach umbrella or sun shade. It is obvious, however, that it may be used for various other shelter purposes as for the temporary protection of stores or supplies and in suitable size it may be employed in lieu of a tent for camping purposes, particularly when two of the present shelter devices are marginally connected one to another. While for illustrative purposes, the shelter canopy has been shown as comprising substantially a segment of a sphere, it is to be understood that by extending the ribs or by diiferently shaping them, the invention is applicable to a wide variety of different shapes of canopy.

In the present construction, the shelter can,- opy comprises a convexly contoured hood or cover I of suitable fabric, supported under tension upon radiating curved ribs 22, the final ribs 33 of the series being of somewhat heavier construction to form a base or sill for the structure. The series of ribs are supported for to and fro swinging motion in a common plane by a mounting head consisting of a hinged leaf t and pulling strain upon the cover I.

abase portion 5 to which the leaf 4 is hinged at 6. The mounting leaf 4 is slotted or deeply channeled in the plane thereof at I to receive the ends of the intermediate ribs 2, which are pivoted at 8 within the recess I. The base portion 5 of the mounting head is formed with oppositely projecting bifurcated extensions 9 within which the terminal ribs 3 of the series are pivoted at III for like swinging motion in unison with that of the ribs 2. The intermediate ribs 2 are distendedand positioned solely-by the The ribs 3, which form the base or sill of the shelter structure when distended, are subjected to a retaining stress and locking means by which they are adjusted to and held in their distended relation, thereby placing the cover I under tension. The base section 5 of the mountinghead is recessed to receive therein the inner ends .ofthe ribs 3 which are formed with cam like terminals II, and is provided with a removable closure plate I2 of somewhat channel-shapecontour, agreeing with that of the base 5,"and detachably secured thereto. Within the recessed base section 5, there is formed'a partition I3,=having therein a downwardly and'rearwardly inclined slot I4 intersected by a verticalslot I5 formed in the top of the base section and continuing downwardly in the front wall thereof formed by the removable closure plate I2. Located within the recess of the base portion 5 of the mounting head and having bearing for both rotary and lateral shifting movement within the inclined slot I4 thereof, is a sp'oollike operator comprising a medial cylindrical portion I6 conforming to and having bearing within theinclined slot I4 and provided at its opposite ends with enlarged heads formed into cams I1 and I8. The enlarged heads of the operator comprising the cam-shaped segments I1 and I8 are disposed at opposite sides of the medial partition I3 of the base section 5. The operator is subjected to lateral shifting and limited oscillatory motion by means of an L-shapedlever or stem I9 rotatively connected within the intermediate cylindrical portion I6 of the actuator from which it extends radially. The operator is yleldingly pressed toward the inner end of the inclined slot I4 and into its operative position by a spring finger 20 fixed in the top of the base section 5 and extending transversely across the slot I4. This spring finger is preferably, though not nec essarily, formed of wire into a-bight of hair pin shape which bearsupon'the medial portion I5 of the operator at opposite sides of the lever or stem I9 which projects through the bight of such spring and thence through the slot I5.

The hinged leaf 4 of the mounting head is provided with angularly disposed fingers 2Iwhich project within the recessed base section 5 into the path of the cam sector II of the operator. The cam extensions II of the ribs 3 also project into the path of rotary adjustment of the cam sector I! of the operator'and into underlying relation with the fingers 2I of the mounting leaf 4.

In Fig. '7 the parts are sho wn in a relaxed position, wherein the operator is shifted outwardly in the inclined slot I4-against theaction of the retracting spring 20, and the operating stem, which is rotatively mounted in the intermediate cylindrical portion I6 of the operator, is positioned at the rear part of the slot I5 and inclined away from the mounting leaf 4." The cam terminal II of the rib 3 is shown projecting into the path of the cam segment I! in a partially adjusted position to which it is moved by the preliminary swinging movement of the rib about its pivotal connection. In such position, the angularly disposed fingers of the mounting leaf 4 overhang the cam terminal of the rib 3. Upon inward and downward shifting movement of the operator within the inclined slot I4, the cam segment II passes beneath the overhanging camshaped terminal II of the rib 3 and upon rotary motion of the operator by the movement of the lever or. stem I9 within the slot I5, the cam segment I! engages the contoured'under side of the terminal II of the rib 3, and at the same time the opposite cam segment I8 peripherally engages an inwardly projecting boss or lug 22 upon-the inner side of the closure plate I2, and by continued rotation of the operator the latter 7 is bodily forced inwardly and downwardly in the inclined slot I4 by the engagement of the cam segment I8 with the lug or boss 22, and at the same time the cam segment I'I, engaging with the cam terminal II of the rib 3, forces the latter upwardly within the recessed base section 5, during which movement the end of the rib 3 :engages the angular finger 2I of the hinged leaf .4, forcing the finger upwardly in unison with the adjustment of the rib and thereby turn+ ing the mounting leaf 4 backward from its inclined position in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 6. The operator thus exerts a wedging action between the boss 22 and the terminal II of the rib 3, which in turn bears upwardly upon the overhanging finger 2I of the mounting leaf 4 to hold both the leaf 4 and the main rib 3 in their adjusted positions. I

.At the completion of such operative and camming engagement of the operator with the rib terminal II and leaf finger 2I, the lever or stem I9 will have assumed theposition II in which it projects forwardly from the mounting structure within the canopy where it is subject to accidental movement and the operator is free for return oscillation thereby, which would again release the cammed mounting leaf and main rib. Due to its pivotal connection with the operator, .the lever or stem I9 is reversible into the position V inclined toward the mounting leaf but is held against such reversal by its engagement in the slot I5 when in the position II. To enable reversal, the final portions of the segments I1 and I8 are concentric with the axis of the operator, which is thus capable of further idle movement beyond its point of operative engagement with the parts II and 2I, shown by solid lines in Figl 6, into the dotted line position shown therein, effected by movement of the lever or stem-I9 into the extreme position III in'which it is limited by engagement of the lever or stem I9 with the terminal of the slot I5 in the cover plate I2. The stem I9 may then be rotated from position III to position IV, whereupon it may be returned in reverse position to non-rotative engagement within the slot I5 by oscillation from position IV to position V which reversely rotates the actuator from the dotted line to the solid line position of Fig. 6. In this final position of adjustment the retractive rotation of the operator, necessary to disengage the parts, is prevented by the engagement of the lever or stem with the mounting leaf 4, and the idle rotation of the operator in the opposite direction is limited in every event by the engagement of the stem I9 with the end of the slot I5. The shelter device is thus securely locked in its erect condition and accidental release iseffectually preiii vented. In order to unlock the parts it is necessary to swing the lever or stem I9 from the locking position V to the position IV, which merely idly turns the operator to the dotted line positions of the segments 11 and [8 without releasing the rib terminal H nor finger 2|, and then rotate thehandle or stem about its connection with the operator, from the position IV to the position III. The stem can then be moved reversely in the slot I5 to the release position I therein in which the operator segments ii and I8 are disengaged'from the terminal H and lug 22, and the operator is bodily movable upwardly and forwardly in the inclined slot [4 out of the path of the rib terminal ll thus releasing the ribs for folding movement.

The operator being formed with integral segmental cams I! and 18 at each end, the oppositely extending ribs 3 are adjusted and released simultaneously.

It'is possible to slightly reduce the size of the mounting structure by omitting the bearing lugs 22 on the inner side of the cover plate 22, permitting the cam segments l8 to bear directly upon the inner face of the plate 12.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

'1. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins'and adapted to rest on one margin thereof and with another margin thereof defining an erect arch-shaped entrance thereto, a plurality of curvilinear supporting ribs connected with the cover at spaced intervals, a mount to which the ribs are pivotally mounted for swinging motion toward and from each other in paths substantially coincident with the curvature of the cover, and means carried by the mount for holding the ribs in distended relation.

2. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover defining substantially a spherical segment when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin thereof and with another erect to define an arch-shaped entrance to the interior thereof, a series of singly pivoted radiating curvilinear ribs supporting the cover in distended condition, the terminal ribs of which are of heavier construction than the intermediate ribs to form resting sills substantially coincident with the base margin of the cover.

I 3. A portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and" adapted to rest on one margin thereof with another margin defining an erect archshaped entrance thereto, a series of radially dis;- posed curvilinear ribs for supporting the cover indistended condition, a mounting means com,- mon to one end of each of the ribs, the other end of which terminates .in the arch-shaped margins. and locking mechanism carried by said mounting means and .engaging the terminals of some of the ribs to lock the same in dis, .tended position. 1

4. A portable shelter having a flexible fabric coverof substantially cave-like contour when dis: tended, defined 'by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin thereof with another margin defining an erect arch-shaped entrance thereto, a series of radially disposed curvilinear ribs for supporting the cover in distended condition, a mounting to which one. end of each rib is pivotally connected for swinging motion, and actuating means engaging the pivoted end of the terminal ribs for moving said ribs and the intermediate ribs collectively about transverse axes in finally adjusting the ribs and cover into distended condition, with the other end-of the ribs terminating in the arch.-

shaped margin. a

5. As an article of manufacture a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover of .substantially spherical segment form when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin with another margin thereof defining an erect arch-shaped entrance to the interior thereof, including a curvilinear skeleton structure supporting the cover in distended condition, said skeleton structure including ribs radiating from the center 1 the base margin, and mechanism engaging the terminals of some of the ribs to lock the same when distended.

6. As an article of manufacture a collapsible shelter having a flexible fabric cover of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin with another margin defining an erect arch-shaped entrance to the interior thereof including a folding skeleton structure supporting the cover in distended condition, said skeleton structure including ribs radiating from one of the margins of said cover, the free ends of which terminate in spaced relation along another margin thereof, and locking mechanism engaging the terminals of some of the ribs to lock the same when distended.

7. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin with another margin defining an erect arch-shapedentrance thereto, a plurality of supporting ribs forming a frame, a mounting member located medially of the base line of the frame to which the ribs are pivoted at one end for swinging motion in paths coincident with the contour of the cover, with their free ends intersecting the arch-shaped entrance, and actuating and locking means for the ribs.

8. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin with another margin thereof defining an erect arch-shaped entrance thereto and a supporting skeleton structure for holding the cover distended including a plurality of relatively spaced arcuate ribs disposed in divergent relation from apoint 76 porting ribs therefor, a mounting for the ribs including relatively movable sections to which different ribs are connected and means for relatively adjusting said mounting sections to actuate the ribs.

10. In a portable shelter having a flexible cover portion of substantially cave-like contour when distended, defined by a plurality of margins adapted to rest on one margin with another margin defining an erect arch-shaped entrance thereto, a plurality of divergent curvilinear supporting ribs therefor, a mounting located substantially midlength of the base margin to which the ribs are pivoted at one end the opposite ends thereof being free for swinging motion coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, means for applying power to the outermost of the plurality of ribs for positioning the ribs into cover tensioning relation, the intermediate ribs being automatically distended by thedistention of the cover.

1l.' In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs therefor, mountedfor swinging motion in paths substantially coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, and means for actuating certain of said ribs by which the ribs are given limited movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to that 'of their swinging motion.

12. In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging motion in paths substantially coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting therefor including-two interhinged members to each of which a portion of the ribs are pivoted at one end, and means for relatively adjusting the mounting members about their hinge connection. 7

13. In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging motion in paths substantially coincident'with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting therefor to which the ribs are pivoted at one end, and an oscillatory cam member carried by the mounting capable of lateral shifting movement into and out of engaging relation with certain of the ribs and adapted by its oscillatory motion to oscillate the ribs when in engagement therewith to tension the cover. 7 g

14. In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging inotion in paths substantiallylcoincident with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting therefor to which the ribs are pivoted at one end, and an oscillatory operator carried by the mounting and operatively moving the ribs to tension thecover, anda reversible lever for the operator adapted by its are pivoted at one end, an operator carried by the mounting having cam faces engageable with the inner ends of certain'of the ribs for oscillating the ribs to tension the cover, and a reversible lever for said operator, limiting the movement upon reversal and adapted when in one position of adjustment to prevent'movement of the operator into position to release the engaged ribs. 1

16. In a collapsible shelter of the character describedhaving a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging motion in paths substantially coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting therefor to which at least two of the ribs are pivoted in relatively spaced relation, with theiradjacent ends projecting one toward the other beyond their pivotal vconnections, an operator adjustably carried'by the mounting and engageable simultaneously with the adjacent ends of both said ribs, one of the engaging surfaces being cam shaped, said operator serving to move the engaged ribs'to tension the cover.

17. In a collapsible shelter of the character dent with the contour of the cover when dis-' tended, a mounting therefor including a hinged section to which certain of said ribs are pivoted about axes transverse to that, of the hinged section, and an operator adjustably carriediby the mounting and having operative connection with the hinged section thereof by adjustment of which the said section is adjusted independently of the swinging motion of the ribs to place said ribs under a stress.

18.-In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging motion in paths substantially coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting for the ribs having therein a slot, an oscillatory operator carried by the mounting for stressing the ribs, an actuating lever pivotally connected with the operator and extending through said slot, said. lever being bent to prevent reversal in said slot until the operator is adjusted beyond a predetermined position, and when in one position of reversal preventing the operator from movement into releasing position.

l9. In a collapsible shelter of the character described having a flexible cover portion, a plurality of divergent supporting ribs mounted for swinging motion in paths substantially coincident with the contour of the cover when distended, a mounting therefor to which said ribs are pivoted, certain of said ribs having ends projecting inwardly beyond their pivotal, connection, an operator carried by the mounting comprising a cylindrical bodyhaving thereon spaced cam portions engageable with the inwardly projecting ends of said ribs, a slotted bearing within the mounting in which the operator is slidable into and out of engaging relation with margin of the cover and means engaging the terminal ribs for holding the shelter in distended condition.

21. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover defining substantially a spherical segment when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin thereof and with another erect to define an arch shaped entrance to the interior thereof, a series of pivotally mounted radiating curvilinear ribs supporting the cover in distended condition, the terminal ribs of which are of heavier construction than the intermediate ribs to form resting sills substantially coincident with the base margin of the cover and cam means engaging the ends of said heavier ribs for holding the shelter in distended condition.

22. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover defining substantially a spherical segment when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin thereof, and with another erect to define an arch-shaped entrance to the interior thereof, a series of pivotally mounted radiating curvilinear ribs supporting the cover in distended condition, the terminal ribs of which are of heavier construction than the intermediate ribs to form resting sills substantially coincident with the base of the margin of the cover, and a pivotally mounted support for supporting the intermediate ribs in spaced relation with respect to the terminal ribs.

23. In a portable shelter having a flexible fabric cover defining substantially a spherical segment when distended, defined by a plurality of margins and adapted to rest on one margin thereof and with another erect to define an arch-shaped entrance to the interior thereof, a support, a pair of radiating curvilinear terminal ribs carried by said support, a pivotally mounted member extending from said support, a series ofv radiating curvilinear ribs cooperating with the terminal ribs and supporting the cover in distended condition, said series of radiating curvilinear ribs being pivotally mounted upon said member whereby said series of ribs is mounted for a swinging movement in one direction about the pivots thereof and in a swinging movement in another direction about the pivot of said member.

HENRY M. ROTH. 

